Monrovia, Liberia – The People’s Republic of China’s government has sent a strong warning to Liberia, telling the recently elected member of the UN Security Council not to deviate from UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 and the “One-China” policy. Days after Liberia was elected as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council (UNSC) for the 2026–2027 term, the diplomatic note was sent.
In other words, China reaffirmed to Liberia its long-standing endorsement of the One-China concept, which is a fundamental component of China’s foreign policy. The Chinese administration emphasized that Resolution 2758, which excludes Taiwan and recognizes the People’s Republic of China as China’s only lawful representation at the UN, is non-negotiable and cannot be reinterpreted. Beijing issued a warning that any apparent change in Liberia’s stance, whether it be substantive or symbolic, may sour diplomatic relationships and make the nation’s new global obligations more difficult.
The warning issued on Monday, June 16, 2025, highlights the elevated anticipation that Liberia is facing in the wake of its election to the UNSC. President Joseph N. Boakai has declared Liberia’s commitment to world peace and stability, hailing the win as both an honor and a duty.
Global powers like China, however, have taken notice of the enhanced position and seem intent on reiterating diplomatic limits with regard to Taiwan in the face of escalating international controversy.
Liberia’s prior pledges to the One-China policy are unambiguous and legally enforceable. They cite two legislative resolutions that expressly declare Liberia’s support for the One-China policy and acknowledge Taiwan as an integral component of Chinese territory: one from the Senate in 2005 and another from the House of Representatives in 2006. The government that supported these policies included then-Vice President Boakai himself. Chinese officials now emphasize that any departure from such long-standing stances would be in conflict with Liberia’s own legislative record in addition to betraying bilateral confidence.
The latest caution comes as some Western countries seek to reinterpret or dilute the meaning of UNGA Resolution 2758, particularly by advocating for Taiwan’s participation in the UN system. China views such efforts as blatant distortions of international law.
It asserts that Resolution 2758 settled the matter in 1971 by formally recognizing the People’s Republic of China and excluding Taiwan from any official UN representation. Beijing argues that allowing Taiwan to engage in UN affairs under any guise would weaken the authority of the United Nations, erode the post–World War II international order, and embolden separatist movements.
China’s warning stops short of listing specific consequences, but foreign policy experts caution that Liberia could face real diplomatic and economic setbacks if it appears to waver. China remains one of Liberia’s most significant bilateral partners, contributing to key infrastructure, agriculture, health, and education initiatives.
Projects such as road construction and energy expansion could be endangered. Additionally, China’s influence at the UNSC and in global financial institutions could affect Liberia’s prospects on the international stage.
For over four decades, Liberia and China have enjoyed a relationship characterized by mutual respect and development cooperation. China has played a pivotal role in Liberia’s post-war reconstruction, including investments in peacekeeping, institutional reform, and humanitarian assistance. In return, Liberia has consistently supported China’s stance on Taiwan, until recent concerns emerged around potential shifts in rhetoric or alignment with alternative geopolitical narratives.
Observers note that Liberia, like many small states with newfound global prominence, must tread carefully in balancing national interest, sovereignty, and global alliances. nWhile the country seeks to serve as an independent voice for Africa and the Global South at the UNSC, it must also navigate the expectations of major global powers that have historically underwritten its development.
As China reiterates the centrality of Resolution 2758 and the One-China policy to its foreign policy, Liberia is being called upon to reaffirm its historical commitments and avoid becoming a pawn in an emerging ideological chess game.
The stakes, analysts warn, go beyond mere diplomacy, they touch on economic survival, national credibility, and Liberia’s evolving identity on the world stage. With its UNSC seat secured, Liberia’s choices in the coming months will be scrutinized closely, not only by China, but by the entire international community.
Maintaining clarity, honoring past agreements, and steering a consistent diplomatic course will be essential as it steps onto the global security platform at a time of rising tensions and great power competition.
